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EX    LIBRIS 

THE    UNIVERSITY 

OF    CALIFORNIA 

FROM  THE  FUND 
ESTABLISHED  AT  YALE 

IN  1927  BY 
WILLIAM  H.  CROCKER 

OF  THE  CLASS  OF  1882 

SHEFFIELD  SCIENTIFIC  SCHOOL 

YALE  UNIVERSITY 


QUENTIN   DURWARD 


QUENTIN  DURWARD 


A  DRAMATIC  ADAPTATION   OF 
SIR  WALTER  SCOTT'S  NOVEL 

IN  THREE  ACTS  AND 
THREE      SCENES 


BY 

CHARLES  ANDREW    MERZ 

AND 

FRANK  WRIGHT  TUTTLE 


NEW   HAVEN 

YALE   UNIVERSITY    DRAMATIC   ASSOCIATION 
MDCCCCXIV 


COPYRIGHT,  1914 

BY 
CHARLES  ANDREW  MERZ 

AND 
FRANK  WRIGHT  TUTTLE 


PRINTED  FOR  THE 

YALE  UNIVERSITY  DRAMATIC  ASSOCIATION 
UNDER  THE  DIRECTION 

OF  THE 

YALE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 


Printed  from  type.        750  copies.       June,  1914 


Dramatic  and  all  other  rights  reserved 


PRODUCED  JUNE  13,  1914,  BY  THE 

YALE  UNIVERSITY  DRAMATIC  ASSOCIATION 

ON  THE  YALE  CAMPUS 


PRINTED  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 


THIS   VOLUME   IS   AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED  TO 

JACK  RANDALL  CRAWFORD 

WITHOUT  WHOSE  AID   AND    ENCOURAGEMENT  THE 
PLAY   WOULD   NEVER   HAVE   BEEN   WRITTEN 


646GIU 

* 


FOREWORD 

Quentin  Durward  is  not  intended  to  be  a  strict 
dramatization  of  Sir  Walter  Scott's  novel,  but 
rather  a  play  based  on  the  dramatic  situations  in  his 
story.  New  incidents  and  characters  have  been 
introduced  and  some  of  the  old  ones  omitted,  with 
the  intention  of  producing  a  unified  and  dramatic 
whole.  The  play  was  written  for  the  Campus 
Performance  of  the  Yale  Dramatic  Association, 
which  necessitated  a  return  to  the  direct  methods 
of  the  Greek  drama. 

C.  A.  M. 

F.  W.  T. 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


QUENTIN   DURWARD 

Act  1.  The  gardens  of  the  castle  of  Plessis-les- 
Tours. 

Act  II.    An  inn  on  the  road  to  Liege.    A  week  later. 

Act  III.  The  courtyard  of  the  Castle  of  the  Duke 
of  Burgundy,  at  Peronne.  Several  days 
later. 


CAST  OF  CHARACTERS 

Louis  XI,  King  of  France. 

The  Duke  of  Burgundy,  known  as  Charles  the  Bold. 
William  de  la  March,  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes. 
The  Count  of  Crevecceur,  Burgundy's  ambassador. 
Lord  Crawford,  Captain  of  the  King's  Scottish 

guard. 

Dunois,  a  French  nobleman. 
Olivier,  the  King's  barber. 

Tristran  I'Hermite,  Provost-Marshal  of  the  King. 
Ludovic  Lesly,  nicknamed  Le  Balafre,  an  archer  of 

the  King's  Scottish  guard. 
Quentin  Durward,  his  nephew. 

Trois-Eschelles       (    .     „.     ,    , 

•J  the  King  s  hangmen. 
Petit- Andre  ( 

A  Fool. 

An  Innkeeper. 

A  Monk. 

A  Man-at-arms. 

Zamet  Maugrabin,  a  spy. 

The  Countess  Isabelle  of  Croye,  ward  of  the  Duke 
of  Burgundy. 

The  Lady  Hameline,  her  aunt. 

The  Innkeeper's  Wife. 

French  and  Burgundian  knights,  soldiers  of  De  la 
March,  noblemen,  attendants,  and  ladies-in- 
waiting. 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 
ACT  ONE 

SCENE.  The  gardens  of  the  castle  of  Plessis-les- 
Tours.  A  crowd  of  French  nobles  in  hunting 
costume  comes  in,  singing.  They  are  followed  by 
attendants,  leading  the  hounds.  King  Louis  XI, 
clad  in  an  old  blue  hunting  dress,  with  a  rosary 
of  ebony  around  his  neck,  and  a  hat  bordered  with 
little  figures  of  the  saints,  is  in  their  midst.  At 
the  King's  side  is  Crawford,  dressed  in  the  rich 
habit  of  his  office. 

King  Louis 

Ah,  my  Lord  Crawford,  St.  Hubert  has  blessed  our 
hunt  to-day.  Never  has  our  chase  been  attended 
by  better  fortune. 

Crawford 

Sire,  it  was  not  good  fortune,  but  your  majesty's 
cunning  with  the  spear  that  brought  down  the 
boar. 

King  Louis 

[Pleased.] 

So?  You  think  your  King  is  still  fitted  to  lead  the 
hunt? 

[7] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[Recollecting  himself.] 

But  methinks  your  speech  smacks  more  of  the 
courtier  than  of  the  Captain  of  my  Scottish 
archers. 

Crawford 

Nay,  sire,  your  majesty  is  as  truly  King  of  the  hunt 
as  he  is  King  of  France — and  that  no  man  dares 
dispute. 

King  Louis 

Ha!  Perhaps  our  cousin,  Charles  of  Burgundy, 
might  disagree  with  you. 

Crawford 

Even  Charles  the  Bold  would  not  be  so  presumptu 
ous.  Nay,  rumor  has  it  that  he  has  sent  an  envoy 
to  Plessis-les-Tours  to  assure  your  majesty  of 
his  friendship. 

King  Louis 

We  have  heard  of  this  envoy,  but  mayhap  his  mis 
sion  is  unfriendly. 

Crawford 

What,  sire!     I  pray  you  pardon  me,  but  has  Bur 
gundy  a  new  grievance  against  France?     That 
hot-headed  nobleman  is  never  so  content  as  when 
he  is  quarreling  with  your  majesty. 
[8] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

Peace,  Crawford.  Remember  he  is  our  cousin  and 
we  must  love  him.  We  do  not  await  the  coming 
of  this  envoy  with  pleasure,  since,  in  this  quarrel, 
our  dear  Charles  thinks  that  justice  is  on  his  side. 
But  we  may  find  a  means  to  pacify  him. 
[Olivier  comes  in,  escorting  the  Lady  Isabelle  of 
Croye  and  her  aunt,  the  Lady  Hameline.] 

Ha!  it  seems  our  barber  has  turned  gallant.  Since 
when  have  you  become  a  courter  of  fair  damsels, 
Olivier? 

Olivier 
[Bowing.] 

So  please  you,  my  liege,  there  was  no  other  to  escort 
these  ladies  on  their  morning  walk,  since  your 
majesty  had  gone  on  the  hunt. 

King  Louis 

But,  methinks  you  have  chosen  an  ill-advised  hour 
and  place  to  lead  them.  Have  you  forgotten  our 
wishes,  Olivier? 

Isabelle 

We   came   here,   sire,    because   we   will    no   longer 

endure  being  hidden  away  in  secret. 

[To  Lady  Hameline.] 
Nay,  aunt,  do  not  pluck  my  sleeve !     Since  we  came 

here,  we  have  been  used  little  better  than  mere 

prisoners. 

[9] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


\The  King  starts  to  protest.^ 

After  a  thousand  invitations  to  throw  ourselves 
under  your  protection,  you  have  given  us  but  a 
corner  of  this  dingy  palace,  out  of  which  we  are 
permitted  to  creep  only  at  night. 

King  Louis 

This  would  not  be  necessary  were  France  and  Bur 
gundy  on  friendly  terms.  Your  aunt,  I  trust,  has 
less  cause  to  misjudge  us. 

Lady  Hameline 

Your  majesty  has  been  most  gracious.  I  sought  but 
safety  and  I  have  found  solitude  and  secrecy 
besides. 

Isabelle 

Peace,  aunt,  and  let  me  speak  the  truth.  I  looked 
for  a  splendid  reception,  tournaments,  pageants, 
and  festivals.  Instead,  all  has  been  seclusion  and 
obscurity.  Our  sole  companions  have  been  a 
gypsy  vagabond,  by  whose  agency  we  corre 
sponded  with  our  friends  in  Flanders — a  gypsy, 
and  a  barber!  The  Duke  of  Burgundy  did  not 
treat  me  thus.  He  offered  me  a  husband,  albeit 
a  bad  one. 

King  Louis 

You  prefer,  then,  an  evil  husband  to  the  seclusion 
we  offer? 

[10] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Lady  Hameline 

One  would,  at  least,  wish  to  have  the  choice,  sire. 
It  is,  Heaven  knows,  on  account  of  my  niece  that 
I  speak.  For  myself,  I  was  quite  content  at  the 
court  of  your  cousin,  Charles  of  Burgundy. 

King  Louis 

My   dear   lady,    reasons   of   state    forbid    us   from 
allowing  you  the  freedom  you  desire.     I  pray  that 
you  will  consider  this. 
[There  is  shouting,  off  stage.] 
But  hold !    What  means  this  interruption  ? 

[Tristran,  Trois-Eschelles  and  Petit-Andre  come 
in,  bringing  with  them  Quentin  and  Zamet, 
bound.  They  are  followed  by  members  of  the 
Provost-Marshal's  guard.] 

So,  our  lusty  Provost- Marshal  has  come  to  court 
and,  by  Saint  Hubert,  he  has  brought  us  guests. 

Tristran 

May  it  please  your  majesty,  this  infidel  dog  is 
Zamet  Maugrabin,  the  gypsy  who  betrayed  the 
presence  of  these  ladies  to  the  Duke  of  Burgundy. 

King  Louis 

Ha!  And  why  have  you  not  hanged  him  as  we 
ordered  ? 

Tristran 

We  had  him  strung  up,  sire.  Did  we  not,  my  brave 
lads? 

[11] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Petit-Andre 

Aye,  the  dance  was  about  to  commence.  The  musi 
cians  were  all  in  tune. 

Trois-Eschelles 

[Shaking  his  head  sadly.] 
Beati  qui  in  domino  moriuntur. 

King  Louis 
Well,  and  why  did  you  not  finish  the  task? 

Tristran 

This  meddling  stripling  sprang  up  from  nowhere 
and  cut  him  down. 

King  Louis 

What  mattered  that  to  you?  Shall  this  youth  defy 
the  King's  justice  ?  Why  did  you  not  hang  them 
on  the  same  branch  and  let  them  dance  together? 

Tristran 

May  it  please  your  majesty,  I  thought  hanging  too 
good  for  them.  Methinks  they  are  more  deserv 
ing  of  the  rack  and  chains. 

King  Louis 

Well  bethought!     But  who  is  this  young  meddler? 
Was  he  with  the  vagabonds  ? 
[12] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Petit-Andre 

Aye,  sire,  that  he  was,  and  may  it  please  your 
majesty,  he  was  the  one  who  cut  down  the  rascal 
whom  your  majesty's  justice  most  deservedly 
hung  up. 

Trois-Eschelles 

I  will  swear  by  God  and  St.  Martin  to  have  seen 
him  with  their  gang  when  they  pillaged  our  town. 

Quentin 
The  villain  lies !    I  never  saw  this  fellow  till  to-day. 

Crawford 

Mayhap   the  youth   speaks   truly,  sire,   for  yonder 

heathen  is  black,  and  this  lad  is  fair. 
t 
King  Louis 

Aye,  and  perhaps  you  will  say  yonder  one  has  a  green 
coat  and  this  one  a  gray  jerkin.  Bah!  These 
infidels  can  change  their  complexions  as  easily  as 
their  jerkins.  Gypsy  or  no  gypsy,  he  has  cut 
down  a  traitor  condemned  by  us  to  die.  Bid  our 
Executioner  step  forward. 

Tristran 
He  is  at  hand,  sire. 

[The  Executioner,  clad  in  a  red  robe  and  mask, 
steps    forward,    carrying    branding    irons    and 
other  instruments  of  torture.} 
[13] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 
Hah,   we  shall  have  fine  sport  with   this   fellow! 

'Twill  be  a  merry  game!     Come  hither,   Fool; 

here  is  work  suited  to  your  hand. 

[The   Fool,   a   cripple,   steps   forward  from    the 

crowd,  grinning  horribly.] 
What  reward  do  you  recommend   for  a  meddling 

coxcomb    who    has    interfered    with    the    King's 

justice? 

Fool 
The  man  who  likes  not  hanging  should  be  taught 

its  pleasures.     Put  him  in  one  of  your  cages,  sire, 

where  one  can  neither  sit  upright  nor  lie  at  full 

length.     He  will  soon  learn  that  hanging  is  the 

more  pleasant  sport. 

King  Louis 

Certes,  he  deserves  no  less  a  punishment,  but  we 
would  enjoy  our  game  here  and  now.  Think  on 
some  other  device. 

Fool 
What  say  you  to  the  branding  irons? 

[Pointing  to  Zamet.] 
He  is  a  traitor.     Let  us  give  him  a  Lily  of  France 

upon  his  chest,  to  remind  him  of  his  broken  faith. 

[Pointing  to  Quentin] 
He  has  meddled  with  the  execution  of  a  spy — cut 

off  his  right  hand  and  he  will  think  twice  before 

he  uses  the  other  so  freely. 
[14] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

Well  said,  Fool.    Our  torture  chambers  have  sharp 
ened  your  wit.    Your  experience  has  made  you  an 
apt  teacher. 
[To  the  Executioner.] 

Step  forward  and  begin  your  work. 

[To  Petit-Andre  and  Trois-Eschelles.] 

The  youth  first.    As  a  most  Christian  king,  we  must 
see  him  shrived  of  his  sins  first. 
[Petit-Andre   and    Trois-Eschelles   step   forward 
dragging  Quentin  between  them.} 

Quentin 
In  God's  name  have  mercy,  sire! 

King  Louis 

Hah!  The  youth  is  not  so  ready  as  you,  Fool,  to 
make  atonement  for  his  sins.  Speak,  shall  we  let 
him  go  unpunished  ? 

Fool 

No,  sire,  no.  It  would  not  be  just.  Compassion 
must  not  hinder  our  duty  to  cleanse  the  youth  of 
his  sins. 

[The  Executioner  brings  forward  a  huge  caldron 
of  boiling  hot  water.  He  makes  Quentin  hold 
out  his  hand  over  it.  Quentin  averts  his  face 
in  horror;  the  Executioner  lifts  his  huge  sword 
to  strike.} 

[15] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 

[Stepping  forward  with  a  scream.] 
Stop! 

[Turning  to  the  King.] 
You  cannot  intend  to  carry  out  so  fiendish  a  scheme ! 

It  is  unjust.    It  is  un-Christian.    I  will  not  permit 

it! 

King  Louis 

Stand  back.  You  need  not  watch  this  sport  if  you 
cannot  stomach  it. 

Isabelle 

Let  him  at  least  have  a  merciful  death. 

[King  Louis  gives  no  sign  that  he  hears  her] 

Should  I  publish  abroad  so  horrible  a  crime,  the 
report  of  it  would  bring  Charles  of  Burgundy 
upon  you!  There  must  be  chivalrous  knights 
here  who  will  not  brook  this  injustice.  Will  no 
one  support  my  plea? 

[The  knights  stir  uneasily,  afraid  to   offend  the 
King] 

Olivier 

[Whispering  to  the  King] 

The  maid  speaks  wisely,  sire.  You  had  best  listen 
to  her  pleadings.  There  will  be  time  later  to 
attend  to  the  youth. 

[16] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

[After  a  moment's  thought,  and  with  a  great  show 

of  magnanimity.} 

Your  speech  does  more  credit  to  your  heart  than 
to  your  head,  my  lady.  I  see  you  do  not  know  our 
Fool  and  his  pleasant  humor. 

Isabelle 
What !    You  meant  the  youth  no  harm  ? 

King  Louis 

We  merely  tested  his  valor.     He  shall  suffer  but  a 
few  days'  confinement  in  our  prisons. 
[To  Crawford.} 

Bring  forward  your  Scottish  guard,  Lord  Crawford. 

Crawford 

As  your  majesty  commands. 
[He  bows  and  goes  out.] 

Fool 

By  our  Lady,  a  goodly  chance  lost  to  improve  upon 

the  beauty  of  the  youth. 

[Pointing  to  his  own  twisted  limbs.] 
Your  majesty  was  not  always  so  merciful. 

Olivier 

Hush,  Fool.  The  stripling  will  yet  receive  his 
reward. 

[17] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[Crawford  comes  in,  leading  a  jew  members  of 
the  Scottish  Guard,  among  whom  is  Ludovic 
Lesly,  known  as  Le  Balafre.] 

Crawford 

Seize  upon  this  youth  and  convey  him  to  prison. 
{Balafre  and  another  Scot  step  to  Quentins  side; 
the     Executioner,     Petit- Andre     and      Trois- 
Eschelles  fall  back.      The  King   confers  with 
his  nobles.] 

Balafre 

Body  o'  me !  Young  Durward,  my  nephew !  How 
come  you  here  and  in  this  plight  ? 

Quentin 

Ludovic  Lesly!  Good  kinsman,  stand  by  me,  for 
the  love  of  Scotland  and  St.  Andrew!  I  am 
innocent. 

Balafre 

[To  Crawford.] 

What  has  this  youth  done  that  he  should  be  im 
prisoned  ?  He  is  a  Scot, — my  own  nephew. 

Crawford 

Silence,  Balafre,  it  is  by  order  of  the  King.  Though 
he  is  a  Scot,  he  has  meddled  with  the  King's 
justice. 

[The  King  now  turns  and  notices  Balafre  talking 
to  Quentin.] 

[18] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

What  means  this  delay!  Did  not  my  Lord  Craw 
ford  hear  our  commands? 

Crawford 

It  seems,  my  liege,  this  fellow  is  a  countryman  of 
ours — a  nephew  of  your  trusted  Balafre. 

King  Louis 

How  now,  Ludovic  Lesly?  How  comes  it  that  a 
kinsman  of  yours  should  prove  a  traitor  to  us? 

Balafre 

Surely  there  must  be  something  amiss,   for  I  can 
vouch  for  the  youth's  honesty  with  my  life. 
[Turning  to  Quentin.] 

What  brought  you  to  France,  Quentin  ?  How  came 
you  to  displease  the  King?  Speak  out,  man. 

Quentin 

Is  it  so  strange,  sire,  that  a  young  Scotsman  should 
seek  his  fortune  in  the  service  of  Louis  of  France? 

King  Louis 

Not  strange,  no.  But  methinks  you  have  made  a 
strange  beginning.  Is  it  your  habit  in  Scotland 
to  go  about  meddling  in  the  affairs  of  your  sover 


eign? 


[19] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 

I  saw  a  poor  wretch  kicking  at  the  end  of  a  rope, 
and  I  went  to  cut  him  down,  out  of  sheer  pity.  I 
had  no  idea  of  offending  the  King's  justice.  For 
aught  I  knew,  thieves  might  have  hanged  him 
for  his  purse. 

King  Louis 

Ha!  You  will  have  enough  to  do  in  this  country 
if  you  go  a-gleaning  after  the  hangman.  How 
ever,  our  good  Balafre  and  this  most  gracious 
lady  have  plead  your  cause  exceeding  well.  What 
say  you  to  adventures  more  befitting  your  bold 
spirit?  Our  Scottish  guard  will  give  you  an 
opportunity,  or 

[Pointing  to  the  Executioner.] 
there  is  still  this  adventure. 

Quentin 

So  please  you,  sire,  I  came  to  Tours  to  serve  your 
majesty. 

King  Louis 

Release   him.      My   Lord    Crawford,    I    hold   you 
responsible  for  his  future  conduct. 
[The  guards  step  back.] 

Quentin 

[Starting  to  kneel.] 

I  trust  that  my  actions  may  prove  my  gratitude,  sire. 
[20] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

Kneel  not  to  me,  young  Scot.     It  is  to  yonder  lady 
that  you  owe  your  freedom. 
[Quentin  goes  to  Isabelle  and  kneels.] 

Quentin 

Gentle  lady,  it  needed  not  a  king's  command  to 
teach  me  the  debt  I  owe  you.  What  prompted 
a  lady  of  your  high  state  to  intercede  in  my 
behalf  I  do  not  know,  but  I  am  none  the  less 
grateful. 

Isabelle 

Rise,  sir  Archer,  your  thanks  far  exceed  my  due.  I 
would  be  loath  to  have  my  hound  undergo  such 
tortures.  You  may  call  it  the  sympathy  of  one 
fellow-prisoner  for  another,  if  you  like. 
[Isabelle  gives  the  King  a  scornful  glance  and 
goes  out,  accompanied  by  the  Lady  Hameline.] 

King  Louis 

Ha,  Olivier.  Methinks  there  was  cold  comfort  for 
"Scotland"  in  what  my  lady  said. 

Tristran 

[Stepping  forward  with  Zamet.] 
My  liege,  what  shall  now  be  done  with  this  gypsy? 

King  Louis 

We  had  forgotten  him.     Take  him  out  and  hang 
him  on  the  nearest  tree.     And  quickly,  too,  lest 
[21] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


some  other  meddling   Scotchman  should  happen 

along,  on  his  way  to  visit  us. 

[Exeunt  Tristran  and  the  other  members  of  the 
Provost-Marshal's     guard,      including     Petit- 
Andre,    Trois-Eschelles,   and   the  Executioner, 
taking  Zamet  with  them.] 
Hmn!     So,  my  young  Scot,  Ludovic  Lesly  is  your 

uncle?    And  have  you  his  love  for  a  long  march 

and  a  hard  fight  ? 

Quentin 

I  have  seen  something  of  both  in  my  country,  sire. 
Scotland  is  torn  with  civil  strife.  There  is  not  a 
burning  hearth  nor  a  standing  stone  in  all  Glen 
Artney.  My  enemies  drove  me  to  France. 

King  Louis 

Since  you  sought  adventure,  why  did  you  come  to 
us,  instead  of  to  William  de  la  Marck? 

Quentin 

What!  Serve  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes?  A 
pillager?  A  murderer? 

King  Louis 

Harsh  names  to  call  one  of  my  faithful  vassals.    He 
is  an  adventurer,  like  yourself. 
[Fanfare   of  trumpets,   off  stage;  Dunois   comes 

in.] 

Ah,  my  trusty  Dunois,  what  means  this  blare  of 
trumpets  ? 

[22] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Dunois 

The  Count  of  Crevecoeur,  Burgundy's  ambassador, 
has  arrived,  and  demands  immediate  audience. 

King  Louis 

Demands  an  audience,  Dunois?  Tell  this  Bur- 
gundian  envoy  we  cannot  see  him  to-day. 

Dunois 
To-morrow,  sire? 

King  Louis 

To-morrow  is  the  festival  of  St.   Martin.     Please 

Heaven,  the  saints'  day  shall  be  disturbed  by  no 

earthly  thoughts. 

[Dunois  starts  to  protest.] 
Nay,  Dunois,  we  shall  grant  him  an  audience,  never 

fear.     But  it  shall  be  at  our  pleasure. 

Dunois 
All  this  I  said,  but  yet,  sire, — 

King  Louis 

Pasques-dieu,  man,  what  is  it  that  thus  sticks  in 
your  throat?  This  Burgundian's  terms  must 
have  been  hard  of  digestion. 

Dunois 

Had  not  your  Grace's  commands,  and  his  safe  con 
duct    as   envoy    restrained    me,    he    should    have 
[23] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


digested  them  himself.  By  our  Lady  of  Orleans, 
I  had  more  mind  to  make  him  eat  his  words  than 
to  bring  them  to  your  majesty. 

King  Louis 

Body  o'  me,  Dunois.  It  is  strange  that  your  im 
patience  cannot  brook  the  like  spirit  in  Bur 
gundy's  envoy.  We  fear  his  blustering  messages 
no  more  than  the  towers  of  this  castle  mind  the 
whistling  of  the  wind. 

Dunois 

Know  then,  sire,  the  Count  of  Crevecceur  says  that 
if  you  refuse  him  the  audience  which  his  master 
demands,  he  will  remain  outside  the  gates  and 
accost  your  majesty  at  whatever  hour  you  please 
to  issue  from  your  castle. 

King  Louis 

He  is  a  fool.  Let  him  cool  his  hot  head  there 
awhile.  These  impatient  coxcombs  think  that  all 
men  are  miserable  save  when  in  saddle  and  stirrup. 

Dunois 

My  liege,  if  you  do  not  grant  this  audience,  the 
envoy's  instructions  are  to  nail  his  gauntlet  to 
your  castle  gate  in  token  of  his  master's  defiance. 
This,  sire,  means  war  with  Burgundy ! 
[24] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

Aye,  is  it  even  so?  Will  our  ancient  vassal  prove 
so  masterful — our  dear  cousin  treat  us  thus 
unkindly?  Nay,  then,  Dunois,  we  must  unfold 
the  Oriflamme  and  cry  Dennis  Montjoye!  It 
shall  be  war,  if  he  so  wishes! 

Dunois 

Marry  and  amen,  and  in  a  most  happy  hour! 

[The  crowd,  unable  to  resist  the  same  impulse, 
shouts.  The  King  looks  proudly  around.] 

King  Louis 

Aye,  you  may  well  shout.     Our  cause  is  just,   if 
Burgundy  dares  raise  his  hand  against  his  King. 
[Another  shout.] 
Still,  we  are  loath  to  shed  Christian  blood. 

[He  crosses  himself  devoutly.     The  croiud  mutters 

discontentedly.] 

Admit  the  envoy  of  Burgundy.  Let  us  hear  what 
he  has  to  say. 

[He  motions  to  two  men-at-arms  who  go  out. 
The  muttering  of  the  crowd  grows  louder.  The 
King  seats  himself  in  the  rear  of  the  stage,  on  a 
rustic  bench.  Dunois,  Crawford  and  the  rest 
of  the  crowd  take  up  their  stand  on  either  side 
of  him.  Quentin  is  in  the  front  row,  near  the 
King.  ] 

[25] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


What  say  you,  Dunois?  Shall  we  overlook  the 
insolence  of  Burgundy  for  the  sake  of  our  king 
dom's  peace  ? 

Dunois 

Affairs  of  state,  sire,  are  beyond  my  sphere.  I  am  a 
soldier  and  obey  my  King. 

King  Louis 

Hmn !  A  soldier !  'Tis  a  better  trade  than  mine. 
[Another  fanfare  of  trumpets,  off  stage.  The 
Count  of  Crevecceur  enters.  He  appears  all 
armed,  except  his  head,  in  a  gorgeous  suit  of 
armor,  inlaid  and  embossed  with  gold.  A  page 
behind  him  bears  his  helmet.  Toison  d'Or,  his 
herald,  precedes  him,  bearing  letters  of  credence 
which  he  offers,  on  his  knee,  to  the  King.  The 
ambassador  himself  pauses  in  the  middle  of  the 
stage,  as  if  to  give  all  present  time  to  admire  his 
lofty  look  and  undaunted  composure.^ 

King  Louis 

[After  a  cursory  glance  at  the  letters .] 
Approach,  seignor  Count  of  Crevecceur.     We  need 
not    our    cousin's   letters    to    introduce    to    us    a 
warrior  so  well  known.    Still,  I  am  loath  to  guess 
the  reason  for  this  show  of  armor. 

Fool 

Let  me  guess  for  thee,  sire. 
[26] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 
Peace,  Fool! 

Crevecceur 

Sire,  the  Count  of  Crevecceur  laments  the  misfortune 
that  places  him  before  you  in  so  unfavorable  a 
light,  but  he  must  do  his  duty  to  his  master. 
Though  it  is  only  the  voice  of  Philip,  Count  of 
Crevecceur,  that  speaks,  the  words  he  utters  are 
those  of  his  most  gracious  lord  and  sovereign, 
the  Duke  of  Burgundy.  • 

King  Louis 

And  what  has  Crevecceur  to  say  in  the  words  of 
Burgundy? 

Fool 

The  boldest  words  of  Charles  the  Bold 
His  boldest  envoy  will  unfold. 
Pray  Heaven  the  words  are  bold,  and  not  bald. 

Crevecoeur 

The  Duke  of  Burgundy  demands  that  the  King  of 
France  send  back  to  his  dominions,  without  delay, 
Isabelle,  Countess  of  Croye,  and  her  aunt,  the 
Lady  Hameline. 

King  Louis 

On  what  ground,  may  we  ask? 
[27] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Crevecoeur 

On  the  ground  that  these  vassals  of  the  Duke  of 
Burgundy  are  secretly  detained  here  by  the  King 
of  France. 

King  Louis 

Can  it  be  your  purpose  to  hold  us  bound  for  the 
flight  of  every  vassal  whom  your  master's  passion 
may  have  driven  from  his  dominions?  Does  it 
follow  that  if  these  ladies  are  in  France,  their 
place  of  retirement  is  known  to  us? 

Crevecoeur 

Sire,  I  was  provided  with  a  witness,  one  who  beheld 
with  his  own  eyes  these  fugitive  ladies  in  this  very 
castle ! 

Fool 

Eyes  that  grow  upon  a  tree, 
Can  never  tell  what  they  did  see. 
'Tis  like  the  old  parable  of  the  mote  and  the  beam. 

King  Louis 
[To  the  Fool.] 
Silence! 

[To  Crevecoeur.^ 

Produce  this  witness !    Place  the  man  before  my  face 

who  dares  maintain  these  palpable  falsehoods! 

[28] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Crevecoeur 

You  speak  in  triumph,  sire,  for  his  long  absence  is 
proof  enough  that  he  has  fallen  into  your  hands. 
The  dead  cannot  answer,  my  liege. 

Fool 
[Pointing  to  Crevecceurs  armor.] 

All  that  glistens  is  not  gold, 

A  golden  welcome  soon  grows  cold. 

The  fox  and  the  stork  once  exchanged  hospitalities, 
you  know. 

King  Louis 

Now,  by  our  Lady,  so  false  are  these  accusations  that 
I  laugh  rather  than  am  angry  at  them.  Our 
provost  guard  daily  hangs  thieves  and  vagabonds. 
Tell  our  cousin  if  he  loves  such  companions  to 
keep  them  in  his  own  domains. 

Crevecoeur 

My  master  needs  no  such  subjects,  sir  King.  The 
Duke  of  Burgundy  does  not  inquire  his  fate  of 
witches  and  wandering  gypsies. 

King  Louis 

Sir  Count,  since  your  purpose  is  but  to  insult  us,  we 
will   ourselves  treat  with   Burgundy,   for  certes 
you  have  exceeded  your  commission. 
[29] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Crevecoeur 

On    the    contrary,    I    have    not    yet    fulfilled    it. 
Hearken,  Louis  of  France,  and  you,  Toison  d'Or, 
make  proclamation  after  me.     I,   Philip,  Creve 
coeur  de  Cordes,  in  the  name  of  Charles,  by  the 
grace  of  God,  Duke  of  Burgundy  and  Earl  of 
Flanders,  do  hereby  declare  that  since  you  have 
refused  to  remedy  his  grievances,  he  renounces  all 
allegiance  to  your   crown,   and   defies  you  as   a 
prince  and  as  a  man !    There  lies  my  gage ! 
[He  throws  his  gauntlet  to  the  floor  and  goes  out. 
Toison    d'Or    blows    his    trumpet,    and    cries: 
('Long  life  to  Burgundy  and  Duke  Charles!" 
The  page  and  Toison  d'Or  go  out.     Tumult. 
The    crowd,    angered   and    excited    by    Creve 
coeur' s  audacity,  starts  to  follow  him.    Quentin, 
Craw  j  or  d  and  Dunois  spring  to  lift  the  gageJ\ 

Crawford 
After  him ! 

Dunois 
Strike  him  down ! 

King  Louis 

Silence !     Lay  not  a  hand  on  the  man — not  a  finger 
on  the  gage! 

[The  three  men  step  back;  the  crowd  stops  its 
movement.     Silence  follows.^ 
[30] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


I  mean  you,  Dunois,  and  you,  young  Durward. 
You,  my  Lord  Crawford,  are  too  old  for  such 
conflicts.  Olivier,  our  barber,  shall  lift  the 
gauntlet ! 

Olivier 

I,  sire?  Surely  the  Count  of  Crevecoeur  will  not 
deign  to  speak  to  so  humble  a  messenger  as 
Olivier. 

King  Louis 
Mayhap  our  barber  is  afraid. 

Olivier 

Ah,  sire,  you  wrong  me.  But  the  anger  of  Creve 
coeur — 

King  Louis 

Enough,  sirrah!  No  belted  knight,  but  a  man  of 
peace,  shall  return  the  madman's  gage.  Olivier, 
we  would  have  peace,  but  not  at  the  price  of 
honor. 

Olivier 
Sire. 

[Olivier  picks  the  gauntlet  up  gingerly  and  slinks 
off  after  Crevecoeur.  The  crowd  mutters  dis 
contentedly.] 

King  Louis 

How  now,  my  masters,  does  the  messenger  we  have 
chosen  displease  you? 

[31] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Dunois 

You  do  your  French  nobles  injustice,  sire.  Every 
man  of  us  would  carry  defiance  to  Burgundy  on 
the  point  of  his  sword. 

Crawford 

And,  sire,  you  wrong  the  Scottish  gentlemen  who 
serve  you.  My  own  arm  is  yet  strong  enough,  if 
I  had  your  majesty's  permission  to  use  it. 

Quentin 

And  I,  too,  sire,  would  serve  you,  else  I  were  no 
true  Scot. 

King  Louis 

We  doubt  not  your  valor,  but  we  fear  your  rashness. 
We  must  avail  ourselves  of  every  precious  hour 
of  peace.     Fear  not.     We  have  learned  how  best 
to  deal  with  these  Burgundians.     And  now  leave 
us.    We  would  see  Olivier  alone. 
[The  crowd  of  nobles  goes  out,  talking  excitedly. 
The  King  beckons  Quentin  and  Balafre  as  they 
past.] 

Balafre  and  young  Durward,  do  you  remain  at  hand, 
where  I  can  summon  you. 

Quentin  and  Balafre 
Aye,  sire. 

[They  bow  and  go  oz//.] 
{Olivier  returns.^ 

[32] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

How  now,  Olivier,  have  you  tamed  the  spirit  of 
Burgundy's  envoy? 

Olivier 

Sire,  my  task  has  been  difficult,  but  I  have  called  yon 
proud  Count  to  reckoning  for  his  presumption 
toward  your  majesty. 

i  King  Louis 

And  how  did  seignor  Count  receive  our  barber's 
chastisement  ? 

Olivier 

You  mock  me,  sire.  Crevecoeur  had  his  foot  in  the 
stirrup,  ready  to  return  to  his  master,  but  I  per 
suaded  him  to  delay  his  departure  for  twenty-four 
hours,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  take  back  his  gage. 

King  Louis 
[Muttering.] 
Twenty-four  hours.     'Tis  of  the  shortest. 

Olivier 

There  would  be  no  need  for  such  haste  if  your 
majesty  had  listened  to  my  advice. 

King  Louis 

Your  advice,  indeed.     It  was  you  who  counselled  us 
to  protect  the  Lady  Isabelle.     I  did  not  dream 
the  price  was  war  with  Burgundy 
[33] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Olivier 

My  liege,  you  know  my  reasons.  The  estate  of  the 
Countess  of  Croye  lies  on  the  frontier  of  Bur 
gundy.  If  the  Countess  were  wed  to  some  one 
allied  with  your  majesty,  we  could  sorely  chafe 
your  rash  cousin's  temper. 

King  Louis 

'Tis  a  tempting  bait,  and  if  we  could  have  concealed 
her  presence  here  we  might  have  arranged  a 
marriage  for  this  rich  heiress  profitable  to  us. 

Olivier 

What  if  a  marriage  could  be  accomplished  between 
Isabelle  and  young  Adolphus,  the  Duke  of 
Gueldres? 

King  Louis 

What!  Sacrifice  her,  so  lovely  a  creature,  to  that 
furious  wretch?  No,  Olivier,  no.  That  would 
be  too  unutterably  cruel,  even  for  you  and  me. 
Besides,  he  is  too  far  distant  to  serve  us.  No,  I 
will  none  of  Adolphus.  Think  on  some  one  else. 

Olivier 

I  can  think  of  no  one  who  is  a  better  enemy  of 
Burgundy. 

King  Louis 
But  I  should  prefer  a  better  friend  of  France. 

[After  a  moment's  pauseJ\ 
What  say  you  to  William  de  la  Marck  ? 
[34] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Olivier 

De  la  Marck  ?  The  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes !  That 
pillager,  excommunicated  by  the  Pope  for  a 
thousand  crimes! 

King  Louis 

We    will    have    him    released    from    the    sentence, 

Olivier. 

[Crossing  himself.] 
The  Holy  Church  is  merciful. 

Olivier 

'Tis  true  that  he  is  of  noble  birth,  but  he  has  the 
heart  of  a  Flemish  butcher.  The  Lady  Isabelle 
will  never  consent  to  marry  him. 

King  Louis 

Methinks  his  mode  of  wooing  will  give  her  little 
choice  in  the  matter. 

Olivier 

How  does  your  Majesty  intend  to  arrange  their 
meeting  ?  You  know  well,  sire,  that  De  la  Marck 
dares  not  stir  from  his  own  domains. 

King  Louis 

If  the  Ladies  of  Croye  chance  to  pass  through  his 
domains  on  their  way  to  seek  sanctuary  with  the 
Bishop  of  Liege,  mayhap  they  will  never  reach 
their  destination. 

[35J 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Olivier 
Ah! 

King  Louis 

Who  can  say  what  will  happen  if  news  of  their 
movements  should  chance  to  reach  the  ears  of 
De  la  Marck?  What  think  you  of  this  scheme, 
Olivier  ? 

Olivier 

It  will  serve,  sire,  if  the  ladies  wish  to  seek  sanctu 
ary  with  the  Bishop  of  Liege. 

King  Louis 

It  will  be  easy  enough  to  persuade  them.  We  have 
but  to  hint  the  alternative  of  surrendering  them 
to  Burgundy.  They  will  need  an  escort  on  their 
way.  I  think  I  have  the  very  man — the  young 
Scot,  Quentin  Durward. 

Olivier 

Quentin  Durward?  The  youth  who  cut  down  the 
gypsy?  Dare  you  trust  him? 

King  Louis 

He  will  have  neither  reason  nor  opportunity  to  play 
us  false.  His  instructions  will  be  to  escort  the 
Ladies  of  Croye  to  the  castle  of  the  Bishop  of 
Liege.  Of  the  interference  of  William  de  la 
Marck  he  shall  know  as  little  as  the  ladies  them 
selves.  None  shall  know  that  secret  but  the  guide, 
and  he,  Olivier,  will  be  our  Fool. 
[36] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Olivier 
The  Fool? 

King  Louis 

Aye,  our  Fool  shall  lead  them  into  the  hands  of 
De  la  Marck. 

Olivier 

But  this  rash  youth  may  defend  the  ladies  with  his 
life. 

King  Louis 

So  much  the  better.  'Twill  make  the  capture  seem 
the  more  plausible.  These  adventurous  young 
spirits  welcome  death  in  a  noble  cause.  Enough ! 
Olivier,  make  known  our  wishes  to  the  Ladies 
Isabelle  and  Hameline,  that  they  may  prepare 
themselves  for  the  journey. 

Olivier 
But  what  of  Burgundy's  envoy  ? 

King  Louis 

You  must  placate  him  as  best  you  can,  and  who  is 
better  suited  for  the  task?  We  shall  forestall  the 
Count  of  Crevecoeur  by  going  ourselves  to  Bur 
gundy. 

Olivier 

What?  Has  your  majesty  decided  to  go  to  Duke 
Charles  in  person  ? 

[37] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

Aye,  Olivier.  Even  the  Lion  cowers  before  the  true 
Prince.  Go,  bid  the  Ladies  of  Croye  prepare 
themselves  for  the  journey  and  attend  us  here 
immediately. 

Olivier 
Sire. 

[Bows  and  goes  out.] 

King  Louis 
[Calling.] 

Lesly  and  Quentin  Durward! 
[Balafre  and  Quentin  come  in.] 

Balafre 
You  called  me,  sire  ? 

King  Louis 

Aye,  Balafre,  go  bid  Dunois  and  my  Lord  Crawford 
choose  an  hundred  knights  and  Scottish  gentlemen. 
We  shall  journey  forth  within  the  hour.  Bid 
them  make  ready  in  haste. 

Balafre 
Sire. 

[Balafre  goes  out.] 

King  Louis 

Well,  my  young  dare-all,  does  the  routine  of  your 
guard  duties  seem  irksome?  Does  the  falcon  still 
crave  the  blue  sky  ? 

[38] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 
You  are  jesting,  sire. 

King  Louis 

By  no  means,  good  lad.  Your  eager  speech  has 
warmed  our  heart.  We  have  determined  that  it 
would  be  cruelty  to  confine  so  bold  a  spirit  as 
yours. 

Quentin 
I  fear,  my  liege,  it  has  been  too  bold. 

King  Louis 

Nay,  lad,  it  pleases  us.  You  shall  have  a  chance  to 
prove  your  mettle,  a  chance  that  will  bring  you 
no  little  risk,  and  mayhap  a  fight  or  two. 

Quentin 
I  pray  you,  sire,  name  it.     I  will  essay  it  gladly. 

King  Louis 

Listfen,  then.  The  lady  who  plead  in  your  behalf, 
and  her  aunt,  the  Lady  Hameline,  desire  seclusion 
and  rest.  They  would  journey  to  the  castle  of 
the  good  Bishop  of  Liege.  They  have  need  of 
someone  as  a  guard,  for  the  way  is  beset  with  out 
laws  and  pillagers.  When  I  heard  your  bold 
speech,  "Here,"  thought  I,  "is  the  very  fellow  to 
serve  us."  What  say  you? 
[39] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 
I  say,  sire,  you  are  kind  beyond  measure. 

King  Louis 
The  commission  pleases  you,  then  ? 

Quentin 
Aye,  my  lord,  most  heartily. 

King  Louis 

Good.    Your  guide  knows  the  way.    He  is  our  Fool. 
Follow  his  directions  implicitly.     For  your  own 
comfort  and  assistance  you  may  select  a  man-at- 
arms. 
[Olivier  enters  with  the  Ladies  of  Croye.~\ 

Ah,  here  are  the  ladies  now. 
[Turning  to  them.] 

Olivier  has  doubtless  revealed  our  reasons  for  send 
ing  for  you.  The  threatening  attitude  of  Bur 
gundy  makes  it  unsafe  for  you  to  remain  here 
longer.  You  will  find  peace  and  sanctuary  with 
the  Bishop  of  Liege. 

Isabelle 

I  can  assure  you,  sire,  that  we  are  no  less  eager  to 
depart  than  you  are  to  be  rid  of  us.  The  castle 
of  the  Bishop  of  Liege,  and  even  the  journey 
thither,  will  be  a  welcome  relief  after  the  weary 
weeks  we  have  spent  in  confinement  here. 
[40] 


QUENTIN  DUR\VARD 


Lady  Hameline 

Peace,  Isabelle.  We  should  be  grateful  to  the  King 
for  his  protection. 

King  Louis 

[To  the  Lady  Hameline.] 
Chide  her  not!     She  is  very  young  and   has  not 

learned  the  value  of  patience. 

[To  Isabelle.] 
As  proof  of  our  high  regard  for  you  we  will  reward 

you  for  your  intercession  in  behalf  of  this  young 

Scot 

[Turning  to  Quentin.] 

by  making  him  your  escort.    As  for  the  guide 

[The  Fool  enters,  limping.} 

we  have  picked  a  man  who  knows  every  foot  of 

the  way. 

Isabelle 

{With  a  shrug.} 

As  your  majesty  wishes.  We  are  so  eager  to  start 
that  the  rank  of  our  bodyguard  concerns  us  but 
little. 

[The  sound  of  soldiers  approaching  is  heard,  off 
stage.] 

King  Louis 

Ha!     Here  come  my  knights! 

[The  knights  march  in,  headed  by  Dunois.] 
[41] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Dunois 
Hold! 

[Turning  to  the  King.] 
Sire,  we  are  ready. 

King  Louis 

One  moment,  Dunois. 
[To  Quentin.] 

Quentin  Durward,  may  good  fortune  attend  your 
first  commission.  Pray  Heaven,  the  outcome  of 
your  perils  may  be  the  success  we  most  desire. 

Fool 

King  Louis  wishes  us  success, 
His  meaning  is  for  me  to  guess. 
Sometimes  success  for  the  goose  isn't  sauce  for  the 
gander. 

Quentin 

[Kneeling  to  King  Louis  and  kissing  his  hand] 
I  pray  I  may  prove  worthy  of  the  task  with  which 
you  have  entrusted  me. 

King  Louis 

I  echo  your  prayer. 
[To  the  ladies.] 
Ladies,  I  bid  you  farewell. 

[Quentin,    the   Ladies   of   Croye,   and   the   Fool 

depart.] 

[Olivier  approaches  the  King] 
[42] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Olivier. 

[In  the  King's  ear.] 
Sire,  I  have  sent  the  messenger  to  De  la  Marck! 

King  Louis 
Good! 

[To  Dunois  and  the  Knights.] 
And  now  to  Burgundy! 

(Curtain.) 

[The   curtain   rises  and   the   knights   march    off, 
singing.    King  Louis  is  at  their  head.] 

(Final  Curtain.) 


[43] 


ACT  TWO 

SCENE.  The  road  to  Liege.  At  the  right  of 
the  stage  is  an  old  inn,  with  a  bench  beneath  the 
tree  in  front  of  it. 

At  the  rise  of  the  curtain,  the  Innkeeper  is  found 
asleep  on  the  bench,  snoring  loudly.  He  is  stout 
and  has  a  fat  red  face.  He  wears  a  huge  white 
apron  around  his  wide  girth.  In  his  right  hand 
he  has  a  huge  platter,  in  his  left  a  towel.  On 
the  bench  beside  him  is  a  pile  of  dishes.  At 
one  side  is  a  tub  of  water  on  a  stool.  From  time 
to  time  he  brushes  away  flies  that  disturb  his 
slumber,  first  with  the  towel  and  then  with  the 
platter.  Finally  the  situation  becomes  unbearable. 
He  throws  the  platter  down,  smashing  it  into 
pieces,  and  slaps  sharply  at  his  face.  The  attempt 
is  successful.  Slowly  withdrawing  his  hand  from 
his  face,  he  raises  his  slain  tormentor  aloft  with  a 
smile  of  satisfaction.  Suddenly  his  eye  falls  upon 
the  broken  platter.  He  leaps  to  his  feet  with  a 
cry  of  dismay. 

Innkeeper 

St.  Francis  protect  me!  What  have  I  done?  Oh, 
what  will  Gertrude  say!  What  will  wife  Ger 
trude  say!  I  shall  pay  a  sorry  price  for  that 
broken  dish. 

[45] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Wife 

[From  within  the  house. ] 
Peter! 

Innkeeper 

[He  gives  a  gasp  of  despair,  and  hastily  gathers 
the  pieces  of  broken  plate  and  puts  them  in  the 
pocket  of  his  apron.    He  picks  up  his  towel  and 
commences  to  wash  the  dishes  feverishly.] 
Coming,  coming! 

Wife 
Peter! 

[The  Innkeeper  continues  wiping  the  dishes.] 
Peter !    You  have  been  these  two  hours  washing  the 
dishes.     Bring  them  to  me.     The  noonday  meal 
is  ready  for  serving.     Hurry,  dotard ! 
[The  Innkeeper  gathers  up  the  dishes,  trips,  but 
recovers   himself,   and   then   pauses   and   looks 
down  the  road] 

Innkeeper 

By  the  strings  of  my  apron !    There  is  someone  upon 
the  road.     'Tis  the  first  for  many  a  day. 
[He  goes  and  looks  down  the  road] 

Wife 
Peter! 

Innkeeper 

But  there  is  someone  on  the  road ! 
[46] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Wife 

Come  hither,  you  lazy  idler!    Bring  me  those  dishes, 
I  say! 

Innkeeper 
Anon.    I  tell  you  there  is  someone  on  the  road ! 

Wife 

And  I  tell  you  bring  me  those  dishes! 

[He  shrugs  his  shoulders  and  starts  towards  the 
door.  Then  he  turns  around  and  goes  back  to 
the  road  and  looks  down.  The  Wtfe  comes  to 
the  door  and  surveys  him  in  disgust.  She 
tiptoes  quietly  up  behind  him.] 

[Crushingly.] 
Peter!!! 

[He  jumps  and  drops  the  dishes  with  a  crash.} 
You  clown !    You  fool !    More  than  clumsy  ape !    A 

pox    upon    you    and    your    road!      First    De    la 

Marck's  soldiers  drink  our  wine,  and  laugh  when 

I  ask  them  to  pay  for  it,  and  then  you  break  our 

dishes,  our  very  means  of  life! 

[She  breaks  out  crying.] 

[The  Innkeeper  begins  to  sniffle  and  reaches  in 
the  pocket  of  his  apron  for  his  kerchief,  but 
brings  out  the  broken  pieces  of  platter.  He 
surreptitiously  drops  them  behind  him.] 

[At  this  moment,  a  Afonk  in  a  muddy  cassock 
enters.     He  is  breathless  from  much  running, 
and  gasps  out  his  words.     He  rushes  up  to  the 
[47] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Innkeeper  and  his  Wife,  who  promptly  forget 
their  own  sorrows  in  their  interest  in  his  story.] 

Monk 

In  God's  name,  good  Innkeeper,  grant  me  refuge. 
Hide  me!  Hide  me! 

Wife 

What's  amiss,  good  Father? 

Monk 

Save  me !  Save  me  from  the  wrath  of  the  "Wild 
Boar  of  Ardennes." 

Innkeeper 

The  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes!  May  the  three  saints 
of  Cologne  preserve  us! 

Wife 

Cease  your  whimpering!  Tell  us,  good  Monk,  has 
this  wild  nobleman  dared  to  attack  your  holy 
monastery  ? 

Monk 

Aye,  he  fears  neither  man  nor  God.  This  ruffian 
has  plundered  our  monastery,  beaten  our  monks, 
and — 

[Crossing  himself.] 

Mother  of  God  defend  us — murdered  the  Abbot 
in  cold  blood! 

[48] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[The  Innkeeper  and  his  Wije  cry  out  in  horror. 
The  Monk  covers  his  face  with  his  hands,  as  if 
to  blot  out  the  remembrance  of  the  murder. 
The  Innkeeper  and  his  Wije  assist  him  to  the 
bench,  where  he  sits,  half  fainting.] 
Oh,  I  can  see  them  still: 

[Pointing.] 
There  stood  the  good  Abbot,  calm  and  undismayed. 

[Pointing.] 

And  here  sat  De  la  Marck,  in  the  Abbot's  chair, 
grinding  his  teeth  till  the  foam  flew  from  his  lips. 
His  butcher  stepped  forward  and  lifted  high  his 
bloody  cleaver.  At  a  signal  from  De  la  Marck 
he  struck,  and  the  murdered  Abbot  sank  without 
a  groan  at  the  foot  of  his  own  chair. 

Innkeeper 
God  'a'  mercy !     Where  went  the  villain  then  ? 

Monk 

He  drove  the  monks  into  the  woods.     He  is  near  at 
hand  and  may  fall  upon  us  at  any  moment. 
[The  Innkeeper  gets  behind  his  Wije.] 

Innkeeper 

What!     In  God's  name,  then,  let  us  into  the  house 
and  hide! 
[He  takes  hold  of  his  Wife  and  pulls  her  towards 

the  inn.] 
Come,  Gertrude! 

[49] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[Cries  and  shouting  off  stage.] 
Quick,  here  comes  De  la  Marck  now!     Into  the 
house,  good  Monk! 

Monk 

Hide  if  you  will;  as  for  me,  it  better  becomes  my 
office  to  remain  here  and,  if  need  be,  meet  the 
same  fate  as  my  master. 

[The  Innkeeper  and  his  Wife  run  up  on  the  steps 
of  the  inn.  The  Monk  folds  his  arms.  Quentin, 
Isabelle,  Lady  Hameline  and  the  Man-at-arms 
hurry  in,  exhausted.  Quentin  has  a  bandage 
around  his  head.  The  Innkeeper  and  his  Wife 
come  down,  when  they  discover  it  is  not  De  la 
Marck.] 

Quentin 

Our  horses  are  spent !  We  can  go  no  further.  We 
must  trust  to  our  swords  to  save  us  from  the  Wild 
Boar  now. 

Isabelle 
May  heaven  grant  us  an  escape  from  this  danger ! 

Quentin 

[Going  up  to  the  Innkeeper.] 

Good  sir   Innkeeper,  we  are  hard  beset  by  De  la 
Marck  and  his  men.    Give  us  shelter  here  of  your 
own  good  will — or  we  must  take  it  by  force. 
[50] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Innkeeper 

Aye,  but,  sir  Knight,  would  you  have  the  Wild  Boar 
of  Ardennes  burn  my  house  over  our  heads?  No 
one  can  resist  his  onslaught. 

Quentin 

There's  little  time  to  argue  the  matter — we  must 
do  what  we  can.  Quick!  A  hiding  place  for 
these  ladies — I  will  guard  your  door. 

Innkeeper 

But,  sir  Knight,  are  there  only  two  fighting  men 
among  you?  Are  there  no  more? 

Quentin 

Only  a  crippled  Fool,  whose  twisted  legs  were 
unable  to  keep  up  with  us. 

Isabelle 

What  can  two  of  you  do  against  so  many?  Let  us 
conceal  ourselves  here  and  trust  that  help  will 
come.  If  you  fight — death  may  be  your  reward. 

Quentin 

A  soldier  can  find  no  death  more  welcome  than  the 
death  his  duty  offers  him. 

Lady  Hameline 

Mayhap  these  good  people  can  furnish  us  with  the 
dress  of  country  folk  until  De  la  Marck  and  his 
men  have  passed  by. 

[51] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 

What !    A  Scotsman  masquerade  as  a  rustic  ?    Nay, 
by  our  Lady,  I  will  fight ! — and  as  I  am. 
[Shouts  off  staged] 

Quick!     Into  the  house  with  you!     De  la  Marck 
and  his  men  are  upon  us. 

[The  whole  party  hastily  enters  the  house.  Quen 
tin  goes  in  last,  after  looking  up  the  road,  and 
bars  the  door  behind  him.  The  Fool  enters.] 

Fool 

[In  fiendish  glee] 
The  game  is  caught  in  the  trap  I  set  for  it !    Come, 

my  merry  cutthroats !    There  is  the  quarry.    The 

game  has  gone  to  earth ;  if  you  would  serve  King 

Louis,  dig  it  out! 

[With  shouts  of  "Sanglier,"  De  la  March's  men 
rush  in.  They  take  up  a  heavy  log  and  batter 
down  the  door  of  the  Inn.  Quentin  stands  at 
the  threshold  and  is  beaten  back  by  the  first 
rush.  The  Fool  remains  outside  the  inn,  and 
jumps  up  and  down,  laughing  horribly.  Sud 
denly  two  of  De  la  March's  men  come  out, 
dragging  the  ladies.  Quentin  and  the  Man-at- 
arms  fight  three  others  down  the  steps.  The 
Man-at-arms  and  one  of  De  la  March's  men 
fall.  Quentin  engages  the  other  two  outside 
and  has  the  advantage,  when,  with  a  horrible 
roar,  De  la  Marck  enters.  Over  his  shoulder 
[52] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


hangs  a  wild  boar  skin,  with  its  head  drawn  up 
over  the  crest  of  his  helmet.] 

De  la  Marck 

[In  blood-curdling  tones.] 

How  now,  you  porkers  of  Liege,  you  wallowers  in 
the  mud  of  the  Seine!  Do  you  dare  match  your 
selves  with  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes!  Up, 
you  boar's  brood!  Let  these  Flemish  hogs  see 
your  tusks! 

[By  this  time  one  of  De  la  March's  men  has 
carried  off  Lady  Hameline  into  the  woods. 
Isabelle  is  still  resisting  spiritedly.  The  Wild 
Boar  and  his  two  henchmen  soon  overpower 
Quentin  and  disarm  him.  They  bind  and  gag 
him.  De  la  March  brutally  knocks  Quentin  to 
the  ground.] 

De  la  Marck 

Lie  there,  you  swine! 

[He  strides  over  to  Isabelle,  who  has  been  sub 
dued  at  last.     During  the  scene  that  follows, 
Quentin    is    powerless    to    avenge    the    insults 
which  De  la  Marck  heaps  upon  Isabelle.] 
Aha!     Here's  a  fine  prize  for  our  efforts! 
[He  leers  insolently  into  Isabellas  face.] 
So  this  is  the  fair  one! 

[Isabelle   receives   his   insults   with    tightly    com 
pressed  lips  and  haughty  demeanor.] 
[53] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


The  wench  is  pretty  enough,  with  her  black  locks. 
That  wizened  jackdaw,  Louis,  has  fulfilled  his 
promise  for  once.  The  Fool  spoke  truly  of  your 
beauty,  my  bride.  King  Louis  is  a  better  judge  of 
wenches  than  I  gave  him  credit  for. 

Fool 
[Pointing  first   to   Quentin   and   then   to   De   la 

Marck.~] 

When  the  archer's  a-weary,  the  noble  must  woo — 
So,  off  with  the  old  love,  and  on  with  the  new ! 

[To  Isabelle] 

Come,  be  not  so  distant.  This  is  your  chosen 
husband. 

De  la  Marck 

[Putting  out  his  hand.] 
Aye,  give  me  your  hand ! 

[She  puts  her  hands  behind  her  back  in  disgust.] 
What!     Is  mine  too  bloody,  then?    By  St.  John  of 

Liege,  'tis  so  in  a  good  cause.     Come,  I  say,  your 

hand. 

Isabelle 

[Striking  him.] 

If  you  dare  so  much  as  touch  me,  King  Louis  of 
France  will  avenge  the  insult ! 

De  la  Marck 

King  Louis  of  France ! — Ha,  ha ! — That's  a  fine  jest. 
What  say  you,  Fool? 

[54] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Fool 

Tis  very  like  the  King  will  avenge  this  insult  by 
dancing  at  your  wedding. 

De  la  Marck 

Aye,  't  is  very  like,  Fool.     But  come,  let  us  have 
done  with  jesting — our  time  is  short. 
[Sarcastically.] 

Have   the   goodness   to   ride   with   me,   my   gentle 
countess. 

[He  seizes  her.     She  struggles,  to  the  delight  of 
the  Fool.     Suddenly  a  trumpet  sounds.     De  la 
Marck  springs  back  with  a  smothered  oath.] 
Sacre  norn  de  dieuf 

[Crevecceur  and  his  Burgundian  knights  rush 
upon  the  scene.  With  cries  of  "St.  George  of 
Burgundy"  and  "Crevecceur  to  the  rescue/' 
they  drive  De  la  Marck  and  his  men  into  the 
woods  and  pursue  them.  At  the  first  cryf  the 
Fool  screams  and  falls  flat  on  his  face.  Two 
Burgundians  remain  behind  to  release  Quentin 
and  Isabelle.] 

Quentin 

A  sword,  sir   Knight!     Give  me  a  sword!     The 

villains  have  taken  mine. 

[One  of  the  knights  gives  him  a  sword.] 
Ah!  Now,  insolent,  false-hearted  traitor! 

[He  starts  in  pursuit  of  De  la  Marck.] 
[55] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 

You  forget  your  commission. 

[Shyly.] 
King  Louis  charged  you  to  remain  at  my  side. 

[Quentin  pauses  and  turns.], 
My  aunt  is  already  a  prisoner.     Do  not  risk  your 

life  to  no  avail,  and  leave  me  friendless.     I  pray 

you,  stay. 

[The  two  Burgundians  are  upstage,  carrying  the 
two  wounded  men  into  the  Inn.] 

Quentin 

Nothing  could  be  more  to  my  liking,  and  yet, — what 
would  I  not  give  to  meet  William  de  la  Marck 
again — and  this  time  in  single  combat! 

Isabelle 

I  understand  that  wish — but  you  cannot  fulfill  it 
and  serve  King  Louis.  He  bade  you  guard  my 
person. 

Quentin 

You  are  right.  I  will  stay.  In  sooth,  nothing  but 
the  desire  to  avenge  that  ruffian's  insults  could 
tempt  me  from  your  side. 

Isabelle 

Say  no  more,  I  pray  you.     I  am  very  grateful. 
[56] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 
It  is  enough  that  you  understand. 

[He    suddenly    realizes    that    she    must    be    ex 
hausted.} 
You  are  tired.    Rest  a  moment,  here. 

[He  leads  her  to  the  bench,  where  she  sits  down. 
He  stands  beside  her.  The  Innkeeper  looks 
out  of  the  window.  When  he  sees  the  coast  is 
clear,  he  comes  out  with  a  huge  carving  knife.} 

Innkeeper 

Have  they  gone?  Are  none  of  the  false  cowards 
left?  I  always  held  the  courage  of  the  Boar's 
brood  to  be  of  small  account,  save  when  they  come 
in  large  numbers.  For  myself,  I  still  retain  my 
undaunted  courage,  regardless  of  the  odds  against 
me. 

[One  of  the  Burgundians  drops  his  sword  with 
a  clang.  The  Innkeeper  falls  down  the  steps 
and  then  runs  hastily  up  again,  just  in  time  to 
bump  into  his  Wife,  who  is  coming  down.} 

Wife 

[Sharply.] 
Peter ! 

[He  dodges  past  her  and  runs  into  the  house.] 

First  Burgundian 

How  now,  madam  innkeeper's  wife,  can  you   not 
reward  our  services  with  food  and  drink  ? 
[57] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Wife 

Ah,  'tis  a  bad  year,  but  mayhap  the  larder  is  not 
entirely  empty. 

[She  goes  into  the  inn,  accompanied  by  the  first 
Burgundian.  The  second  Burgundian  notices 
the  Fool  on  the  ground  and  rouses  him  with  a 
kick.] 

Second  Burgundian 

Come,  Fool,  and  make  merry  for  us  at  our  feast. 
[The  second  Burgundian  and  the  Fool  go   into 
the  house.     Quentin  and  Isabelle  have  watched 
this  scene  with  amusement.] 

Quentin 

[After  a  moment's  pause.] 
You  are  silent. 

Isabelle 

I  have  not  forgotten  with  what  little  grace  I  once 
received  the  thanks  you  preferred  me.  Your 
deeds  to-day  have  shamed  my  silly  pride. 

Quentin 

Your  pride?  Say  rather  your  just  reproval  of  my 
presumption, — a  reproof  which  I  have  not  heeded. 
For  I  have  dared  that  for  which  kings  would 
barter  their  very  thrones!  I  have  ridden  beside 
you,  watched  you  smile  and  listened  to  your 
laughter.  Nay,  I  have  even  dared  to  talk  with 
you  of  life  and  happiness. 
[58] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 

Do  not  humble  yourself,  good  sir.  You  were  not 
over-bold.  You  have  been  a  pleasant  companion 
and  a  valiant  protector.  No  knight  ever  served 
lady  better. 

Quentin 

Would  to  Heaven  I  were  a  knight — then  might  I 
tell  you  all  that  fills  my  heart  and  cries  for 
utterance. 

Isabelle 

[Demurely.] 

Perchance  King  Louis  will  reward  your  zeal  in  this 
commission  by  conferring  knighthood  upon  you. 

Quentin 

There  is  but  little  chance  of  that,  I  fear,  since  your 
safety  is  due  to  the  Burgundian  knights  rather 
than  to  me. 

Isabelle 

What  could  one  man  do  against  four? 

[A  happy  thought  strikes  her.] 
Give  me  your  sword. 

[He  draws  his  weapon  and  hands  it  to   her  in 

wonder.     She  taps  him  upon  the  shoulder.] 
Rise,  sir  Quentin  Durward.     I  dub  you  my  Knight. 

[He  obeys  her,  only  half  comprehending.] 
You  have  your  wish — what  is  it  you  would  say? 
[59] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 

[Slowly  realizing  that  he  is  free  to  speak.] 
What  is  it  I  would  say?    I  would  tell  you —    Oh, 
the  words  won't  come! 

Isabelle 
You  may  say  what  you  please,  without  fear. 

Quentin 

Then  listen.  I  have  told  you  of  my  boldness — and 
how  I  dared  rejoice  in  your  very  nearness.  You 
have  forgiven  me — but  that  was  not  all.  As  I 
have  ridden  beside  you,  my  heart  has  whispered 
but  one  desire.  That  wish  has  sprung  to  my  lips  a 
thousand  times,  and  each  time  I  have  choked  it 
back — for  I  knew  I  had  no  right  to  utter  it. 
Now  you  have  given  me  that  right,  but  still  I 
cannot  speak,  for  there  is  nothing — nothing — 
nothing — 
[He  faints.] 

Isabelle 

Holy  Virgin !     He  is  wounded  ! 

[She  binds  his  wound  with  her  kerchief.] 
There,  there,  that  should  be  better.     Is  it  not  ? 

[He  is  silent.] 
Speak,  good  knight ! 

[Softly.] 
Speak,  dear  Quentin. 

[60] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[Chafes  his  temples.] 
He  is  good  to  look  upon. 

[She  readjusts  the  bandage.] 
So. 

Quentin 

[Dreamily.] 
Are  you  a  spirit? 

[He  takes  her  hand  in  his.] 
If  I  be  asleep  and  this  a  dream,  may  I  never  awake. 

Isabelle 

\With  the  naive  wonder  of  a  child.] 
Am  I  so  lovely  then  ? 

Quentin 

I   have  ever  sought   for  perfect  loveliness — sought 
and  found  it  not.     You  are  the  perfection  of  all 
the  love  and   beauty  in  this  world,  and   in   the 
world  to  be. 
[She  rises  and  helps   Quentin   to   his  feet.     He 

stands  abashed  before  her,  afraid  of  his  own 

boldness.] 

Isabelle 
I  am  quite  happy. 

Quentin 

And  I — I  have  learned  what  men  and  gods  have 
meant  by  love. 

[61] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[He  takes  her  in  his  arms.  Suddenly,  there  is  a 
sound  of  clanking  armor  off  stage.  Crevecoeur 
and  his  men  come  in, — Crevecoeur  wiping  his 
bloody  sword.  The  two  Burgundians  come  out 
of  the  inn,  leading  the  Fool  between  them,  and 
join  their  comrades.^ 

Crevecoeur 

By  our  lady  of  Peronne,  that  arch-fiend,  De  la 
Marck,  has  escaped  us  and  is  safe  in  his  castle, 
with  the  Lady  Hameline  his  prisoner. 

Isabelle 
[Crying  out.] 
Oh!     Can  nothing  be  done  to  save  her? 

Crevecoeur 
Nothing  at  present,  I  fear.    He  is  beyond  our  reach. 

Isabelle 
Alas,  my  unhappy  aunt !    What  will  be  her  fate  ? 

Crevecoeur 

Heaven  alone  can  predict  what  treatment  she  will 
receive  at  the  hands  of  that  villain.  As  for  you, 
my  pretty  cousin,  you  have  found  a  rough  welcome 
to  our  woods.  I  have  well  served  Charles  of 
Burgundy  to-day,  in  rescuing  you  from  De  la 
Marck. 

[62] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 
Charles  of  Burgundy? 

Crevecceur 

Aye.  My  lord  of  Burgundy  likes  to  keep  such  pretty 
vassals  near  him.  We  must  make  haste  toward  his 
court,  ere  De  la  Marck  return  with  the  rest  of 
his  brutal  soldiers. 

Isabelle 

But  I  am  on  my  way  to  the  Bishop  of  Liege,  under 
the  protection  of  this  young  archer. 

Crevecceur 

Methinks  he  is  too  young  to  be  trusted  with  such  a 
charge. 

Isabelle 
He  has  saved  my  life  and  honor. 

Crevecceur 
Doubtless  to  make  you  his  own  captive. 

Quentin 

I  command  you  to  let  this  lady  depart  in  peace  for 
Liege.     I  bear  the  King's  commission  to  deliver 
her  safely  into  the  hands  of  the  Bishop. 
[63] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Crevecceur 

And  /  bear  the  commission  of  the  Duke  of  Bur 
gundy  to  return  his  vassal  to  his  dominions. 
[To  his  soldiers.] 

Seize  this  presumptuous  youth ! 

[They  seize  him  before  he  has  time  to  draw  his 
sword.] 

Quentin 
You  shall  answer  for  this  to  the  King  of  France ! 

Crevecoeur 

I  will  first  answer  to  the  Duke  of  Burgundy.   Come, 
Isabelle,  we  go  to  Burgundy. 


CURTAIN. 


[64] 


ACT  THREE 

SCENE.  The  courtyard  of  the  castle  of  Charles  of 
Burgundy  at  Peronne.  King  Louis  XI  sits  in  an 
elevated  chair  at  one  side,  and  Charles  of  Bur 
gundy  is  seated  in  the  same  fashion  on  the  other 
side.  Louis'  knights  are  on  his  side  of  the  court 
yard,  and  the  Burgundian  nobles  on  the  other 
side.  Crawford,  Balafre,  Olivier  and  Dunois  are 
near  the  King. 

King  Louis 

Ah,  cousin,  if  the  ties  of  relationship  and  gratitude 
are  not  sufficient  to  bind  us  together,  we  have 
those  of  spiritual  relationship. 

Burgundy 

Ah,  Louis,  Louis,  would  to  God  you  were  as  faith 
ful  a  monarch  as  you  are  a  pleasing  companion ! 
I  often  think  on  the  jovial  times  we  used  to  spend 
together. 

King  Louis 

You  may  bring  them  back  when  you  will.  I  shall 
grant  as  fair  terms  as  you  ought  to  ask,  and  I 
shall  swear  to  keep  them  upon  the  holy  relic  which 
I  bear  about  my  person — a  fragment  of  the  true 
cross. 

[He  takes  a  small  gold  reliquary  from   a   chain 
around  his  neck  and  kisses  it  devoutly.] 
[65] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Never  was  false  oath  sworn  on  this  sacred  relic  but 
it  was  avenged  within  the  year. 

Burgundy 

Yet  it  is  the  same  on  which  you  swore  friendship  to 
me  when  you  last  left  Burgundy,  and  shortly  after 
sent  your  vassal  to  murder  me. 

King  Louis 

My  gracious  cousin,  now  you  are  unearthing  ancient 
grievances.  I  promise  you  that  you  were  deceived 
in  that  matter.  Moreover,  it  was  not  upon  this 
relic  which  I  then  swore,  but  upon  another  frag 
ment  of  the  true  cross,  weakened  in  virtue,  doubt 
less,  by  sojourning  with  the  Infidels.  Ah,  God 
shield  us  from  perjury  on  such  a  warrant  as  this! 

Burgundy 

Well,  cousin,  I  do  believe  you  had  a  lesson  to  keep 
faith  another  time.  And  now  for  once,  without 
finesse  or  doubling,  will  you  promise  to  return 
to  Burgundy  the  Ladies  of  Croye  ? 

King  Louis 

Fair    cousin    Charles,    you    drive    my    courtesy    to 

extremity.     The  Countess  Isabelle  and  her  aunt 

are  not  within  my  kingdom.    Yield  up  this  matter 

and  let  us  rather  speak  of  the  towns  on  the  Sonne. 

[66] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

My  council  will  talk  to  your  majesty  of  these.  You 
have  tampered  with  my  vassals  and  have  thought 
to  bestow  the  hand  of  my  ward  upon  William 
de  la  Marck! 

King  Louis 

My  dear  cousin,  must  I  again  deny  these  foolish 
charges?      I   tell   you   I   know   naught  of   these 
errant  ladies,   nor  of  their  actions.     May   God 
bear  witness  of  the  truth  I  speak ! 
[He  crosses  himself,  and  kisses  the  reliquary.] 

Burgundy 

[Rising  and  pointing  an  accusing  finger  at  the 

King.] 

Perjure  not  your  soul  again,  Louis  of  Valois!    Here 
are  two  witnesses  who  have  seen  my  ward 
[He  points  to  two  villagers,  who  step  forward.] 
in  company  with  a  young  archer  of  your  Scottish 
guard. 

King  Louis 

[After  a  moment's  pause.] 

Ha!    This  is  a  merry  conceit! 
[Sarcastically.] 

A   Scottish   guardsman,    forsooth.      'Tis  very  like! 

But  hold !    You  may  be  right.     Perchance  it  was 

that  young  Scot  who  bears  our  death  mark  as  a 

traitor.      Discharged   from   his  company,   he   has 

[67] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


doubtless  sought  revenge  and  made  off  with  these 
ladies  on  his  own  account.  Should  we  apprehend 
him  now,  he  will  not  so  easily  escape  our  justice. 
But  'tis  very  like  we  shall  never  set  eyes  upon  him 
again,  eh,  Olivier? 

Olivier 

[Bowing,  with  a  malicious  smile.] 
Aye,  sire,  'tis  very  like. 

Balafre 
But,  sire — 

Lord  Crawford 

[Seizing  Balafre  by  the  arm,  and  putting  his  hand 

over  his  mouth.] 

Silence,  Balafre!    You  forget  your  office. 
[Balafre  steps  back  reluctantly.] 

Burgundy 

By  all  the  Saints!    You  are  as  hard  to  trap  as  one 
of  our  Burgundian  foxes. 

[Enter  two  Burgundian  nobles,  who  bow  low  to 
Burgundy,  and  curtly  to  the  King.] 

How  now,  sir  Knights,  what  means  this  interrup 
tion? 

First  Knight 

By  your  leave,  my  gracious  lord,  the  Count  of  Creve- 
coeur  has  returned. 

[Louis  stirs  uneasily  and  whispers  to  Olivier.] 
[68] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

Hah!  At  last  returned  from  Tours!  It  is  high 
time,  indeed,  when  the  object  of  his  visit  has  pre 
ceded  him.  I  trust  he  brings  us  news  that  bears 
upon  this  point. 

Second  Knight 

The  Count  of  Crevecoeur  will  presently  bring  your 
grace  a  report  of  his  actions,  which  we  have  heard 
but  imperfectly. 

Burgundy 
Body  o'me !    Where  is  the  Count  ? 

Second  Knight 

He  but  pauses  to  remove  his  armor,  before  waiting 
upon  your  highness. 

Burgundy 

His  armor !    Saint  Bleu !    What  care  I  for  his  dress ! 

I  think  you  have  conspired  with  him  to  drive  me 

mad.    Bid  him  come  to  us  directly ! 

[The  two  knights  bow,  and  exeunt.} 

[To  the  King.] 
He  comes  by  way  of  Liege  and  we  at  least  have  no 

secrets  in  that  quarter  which  we  would  fear  to 

have  proclaimed  before  the  assembled  world. 

[Enter  Crevecoeur.] 

What  news  from  Tours  and  Liege,  Crevecoeur  ? 
[69] 


(JUKNTIN     DUkWAkl) 


OevecuMir 

My  lictff,  as  for  Tours,  I  sec  the  Kin^  of  I'Yance 
is  here  before  me,  and  lie  has  doubtless  told  you 
more  than  I  can  tell.  I  would  luivo  heen  here 
sooner  had  I  not  encountered,  on  the  way,  your 
ward,  the  Lady  Isahelle  of  CYoyc. 

Burgundy 

Hah!  You  hear  that,  cousin  Louis:*  At  last  \ve 
shall  jj;et  to  the  bottom  of  this  business.  Pioceed, 
sir  Count. 

C'leveorur 

The  Lady  Hameline  has  been  captured  by  I  )e  la 
Marck's  men.  I  rescued  Lady  Isabelle  Iroin  the 
Wild  Hoar,  himself,  into  whose  presence  she  had 
been  led  by  ;i  younjj,  Scot,  who  inlonued  me  that 
he  was  acting  under  Kinp;  Louis'  orders. 

Hur^imdy 
At  last,  sir  Kinj^!     At  last  ! 

|  lit-  s tilings  his  foot  in  fury.  \ 

Bar  the  castle  gale!  Let  no  man  .(ii  horn  his  place 
upon  pain  of  instant  death!  Knights  of  IJur- 

,  dra\\    \oiii   swnrds! 

Tlii-    Hut  tjinulidus    draw    their    .v/ro/v/.v.       Louis' 
///<•//   start    to   follow   suit,   but   Louts    motions 
them    Ixn'k.      Ilurt/undy    (uirmn  <  \    uf^oii    Louis, 
his    hdiul    on    the    hilt    of    his    sicord.       Louis 
[70] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


remains  seated,  without  showing  any  fear,  or 
assuming  a  defensive  posture.] 

King  Louis 
This  news,  dear  cousin,  has  staggered  your  reason. 

Burgundy 

No,  but  it  has  awakened  a  just  resentment  which  has 
too  long  been  stifled !  Tyrant  over  your  subjects! 
Treacherous  ally!  Perjured  king!  You  are  in 
my  power  and  I  thank  God  for  it! 

King  Louis 

Sir  Duke,  you  have  forgotten  that  you  are  a  vassal 
of  France. 

Dunois 

[Stepping  between  the  two  monarchs.] 
My  lord  of  Burgundy,  this  is  your  Hall.    You  are 
the  King's  vassal.    Do  not  spill  the  blood  of  your 
sovereign  on  the  throne  you  have  erected  for  him. 

Burgundy 

Out  of  my  path,  Dunois,  and  let  my  vengeance  pass ! 
The  wrath  of  kings  is  to  be  feared  like  that  of 
Heaven ! 

Dunois 

Only  when,  like  that  of  Heaven,  it  is  just.    I  beg  of 
you,  my  lord,  restrain  the  violence  of  your  temper. 
[71] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 
[Rising.] 

He  is  right.     Hear  it,  my  last  word;  I  speak  as  a 

king  to  his  vassal,  and  expect  obedience.     Stand 

back!     I  command  you! 

[Burgundy  drops  back  reluctantly,  with  a  sullen 
face.} 

[Confidently.} 
Why  did  not  the  noble   Crevecoeur  bring  support 

for  his  accusations?    Why  did  he  not  bring  with 

him  the  Lady  Isabelle  and  the  young  Scot  of  whom 

he  speaks? 

Crevecceur 
I  did  bring  them  with  me.    They  are  at  hand. 

[Louis 'starts  perceptibly.} 

Burgundy 

Have  them  brought  here  at  once!     We  will  hear 

their  story.    We  will  hear  what  they  have  to  say. 

[He  mounts  to  his  chair  as  two  men-at-arms  lead 

in  Quentin,  Isabelle,  her  ladies-in-waiting  and 

the  Fool.     The  Fool  prostrates  himself  before 

King  Louis,  who  taps  him  on  the  shoulder  and 

bids  him  rise.     The  Fool  stands  at  King  Louis' 

side.} 

[To  Isabelle.} 

So,  fair  Countess,  what  think  you  of  the  strife  you 
have  kindled  between  two  great  princes  that 
were  like  to  have  come  to  war  for  your  pretty 
face? 

[72] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 

[Kneeling  before  Burgundy.} 

I  crave  your  pardon,  my  noble  guardian,  for  the 
trouble  you  have  suffered  on  my  account.  The 
fault  is  indeed  mine. 

Burgundy 

Arise,  Countess  Isabelle.  We  mean  better  for  you 
than  you  deserve.  We  intend  neither  to  deprive 
you  of  your  estates  nor  to  abase  your  honor.  On 
the  contrary,  we  will  add  largely  to  both. 
Though  you  fled  our  kingdom,  the  man  we  have 
chosen  for  you  to  marry  is  not  displeased  with  you, 
even  now. 

Isabelle 

[Still  on  her  knees.} 

Alas,  my  lord,  it  is  this  well-meant  kindness  that  I 
fear  even  more  than  your  grace's  displeasure,  since 
it  compels  me — 

Burgundy 

St.  George  of  Burgundy !  Is  our  will  to  be  thwarted 
at  every  turn  ?  Up,  I  say,  minion,  and  stand  aside. 
[Pointing  to  Quentin.] 

This  young  man  claims  our  instant  attention.  Step 
forward,  bold  youth.  Mark  well  the  questions  I 
have  now  to  ask  you.  If  you  falter  or  double  in 
your  answers,  I  will  have  you  hanged  alive  in  an 
iron  chain  from  the  steeple  of  the  market-house. 
[73] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


What  made  you  bold   enough   to  carry  off  this 
lady,  my  ward? 

Quentin 

Your  grace,  I  did  not  carry  her  off.  Whoever  says 
this  lies. 

[Burgundy  looks  triumphantly  at  Louis  who  does 
his  best  to  maintain  a  bold  front.] 

Burgundy 

Now  answer  me  this,  and  once  more  remember  your 
life  depends  on  your  veracity.  By  what  author 
ity  did  you  appoint  yourself  guard  over  this  lady? 

Quentin 

By  the  authority  of  him  I  serve,  King  Louis  of 
France. 

Burgundy 

Aha!  You  are  a  faithful  messenger  and  I  venture 
to  say  that  in  obeying  the  King's  instructions  you 
have  disappointed  his  fondest  expectations. 

Quentin 

I  understand  you  not,  my  lord.  I  did  but  execute 
the  instructions  of  my  King. 

Burgundy 
But  hark,  Archer,  what  instructions  did  the  King 


give  you? 


[74] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 

All  I  know  is  that  my  master,  King  Louis,  sent  me 
to  protect  these  ladies  and  to  escort  them  to  the 
castle  of  the  good  Bishop  of  Liege. 
[Louis    regains    his    self-composure    and    smiles 
triumphantly.] 

Burgundy 

Ha!  But  was  there  not  some  secret  understanding 
between  you  to  betray  your  trust  to  William  de 
la  Marck? 

Quentin 

I  repeat,  I  heard  nothing  of  such  a  nature.  I 
understood  the  instructions  of  the  King  to  be 
honorable,  and  I  executed  them  honorably. 

Isabelle 

His  words  are  truth,  Duke  Charles,  and  though  it 
is  true  enough  that  De  la  Marck  and  his  friends 
did  attack  us,  this  young  archer  fought  most 
valiantly  in  our  behalf,  at  the  risk  of  his  own  life. 
To  keep  him  longer  captive  would  be  unjust.  He 
is  guiltless  of  all  blame. 

Burgundy 

[After  a  moment's  hesitation.] 
Well — let  him  go  free  then. 

[Quentin  bows  slightly.] 

As  for  you,  my  lady,  I  fear  we  cannot  waive  our 
right  to  arrange  your  betrothal  as  we  had  planned. 
[75] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabella 

So  be  it,  my  liege,  I  could  not  hope  for  a  better  fate. 
My  only  concern  is  the  freedom  of  this  brave 
knight. 

Quentin 

[Stepping  forward. ,] 

My  lord,  I  do  not  care  for  my  freedom  at  such  a 
price.  Let  her  go  free,  and  do  with  me  as  you 
will. 

Isabelle 
Quentin ! 

King  Louis 

Ha !  Another  problem  for  our  noble  cousin  to  solve. 
I  suppose,  dear  Charles,  you  will  next  accuse  me 
of  instigating  this  intrigue. 

Charles 

This  is  indeed  a  weighty  question  for  kings  to  con 
sider.  What  say  you,  Louis,  were  it  not  well 
before  this  vagrant  Helen  of  Troy,  or  of  Croye, 
made  more  kings  dance — were  it  not  well  to  carve 
out  a  fitting  match  for  her,  here? 

King  Louis 

The  lady  is  your  ward.  Do  with  her  as  you  please. 
As  for  her  suitor,  he  is  mine,  and  I  will  tend  to 
him. 

[76] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[Turning  to  Olivier.] 

We  shall  take  care  of  this  young  fellow,  eh,  Olivier? 
[A  knight  enters.] 

Knight 
My  Lord,  a  herald  from  William  de  la  Marck. 

Burgundy 
Admit  him  at  once. 

[The  knight  bows  and  goes  out.} 
By  our  Lady,  has  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes  no 
shame,  that  he  dares  to  come  within  our  strong 
hold? 

[The  Innkeeper  enters  as  De  la  Marck' s  herald, 
dressed  in  gaudy  splendor.     A   boar's  head  is 
emblazoned  on   his   tabard.     Fear  and  a  gro 
tesque  awkwardness  mark  his  movements] 
Who  are  you,  in  the  devil's  name? 

Innkeeper 

I  am  Rouge  Sanglier,  the  herald  of  William  de  la 
Marck,  by  the  grace  of  God,  Prince  of  Liege. 

Burgundy 

Ha!     And  what  would  William  de  la  Marck  of 
the  Duke  of  Burgundy? 

Innkeeper 

My  master  requests — that  is — demands  an  audience 
with  your  Grace,  that  he  may  secure  justice  for 
certain  injuries  your  knights  have  done  him. 
[77] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

The  insolence  of  this  wild  man  is  surprising. 

[After  a  moment's  hesitation] 
And   yet — perhaps   it   were   better   to    admit   him. 

What  say  you,  my  royal  cousin  ? 

King  Louis 

Do  not  yield  to  this  wild  reveler's  demands.  No 
Christian  ruler  will  have  aught  to  do  with  such 
a  murderous  ruffian. 

Burgundy 

Still,  his  anger  is  not  to  be  trifled  with. 
[He  deliberates.] 

But  mayhap  you  are  right. 
[To  the  Innkeeper] 

Go!  Tell  De  la  Marck  that  we  are  engaged  in 
other  matters  that  require  our  immediate  atten 
tion. 

Innkeeper 

Very  well,  good  master,  I  shall  fulfill  your  order. 
I  trust  you  will  find  our  meagre  fare  to  your 
liking. 

[He  realizes  what  he  has  said  with  horror,  and 
starts  to  go.  The  crowd  watches  him  in 
amusement] 

[783 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

One  moment,  sir  Herald.  Methinks  your  wide  girth 
is  better  suited  to  the  apron  than  to  the  tabard ! 
Let  him  be  scourged  till  his  bones  are  laid  bare! 

Toison  d'Or 

[Stepping  forward.] 

Nay,  but  if  it  please  your  grace,  he  is  a  herald,  and 
so,  by  the  sacred  rights  of  chivalry,  his  person  is 
inviolate. 

Burgundy 

You  are  an  owl  to  think  that  the  tabard  makes  the 
herald.  Step  forward  and  question  him. 

Toison  d'Or 
[Solemnly.] 

Brother,  in  what  college  did  you  study  our  illus 
trious  science? 

Innkeeper 

My  lord,  I  was  bred  at  the  Heraldic  College  of 
Ratisbon  and  received  my  diploma  there. 

Toison  d'Or 
[Bow  ing.] 

You  could  not  have  derived  it  from  a  source  more 
worthy.    And  if  I  presume  to  confer  with  you  on 
the  mysteries  of  our  sublime  science,  it  is  not  in 
the  hope  of  giving,  but  of  receiving  knowledge. 
[79] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 
\_Impatien  tly.~\ 

Go  to!  Leave  off  ceremony  and  ask  him  some 
questions  that  may  try  his  skill. 

Toison  d'Or 

It  were  an  injustice  to  ask  a  disciple  of  the  worthy 
College  of  Ratisbon  questions  on  the  common 
terms  of  blazonry.  But  I  might  ask  Rouge  Sang- 
lier  to  say  if  he  is  instructed  emblematically,  and, 
as  it  were,  parabolically,  in  the  secret  terms  of  the 
science. 

Innkeeper 

I  understand  one  sort  of  blazonry  as  well  as  another, 
but  it  may  be  that  we  have  not  the  same  terms  in 
Germany  that  you  have  here  in  Flanders. 

Toison  d'Or 

Alas,  that  you  say  so,  for  the  terms  of  our  noble 
craft  are  the  same  the  world  over. 

Burgundy 

Show  him  a  coat  and  let  him  blazon  it.  If  he  fails, 
I  promise  him  that  his  back  will  be  sable  and 
azure. 

Toison  d'Or 
[Producing  a  parchment.] 

Here  is  a  scroll  of  mine  own  devising.     I  pray  my 
brother  to  decipher  it  in  telling  language. 
[80] 


QUENTIN    DURVVARD 


Fool 

\Who  has  taken  great  pleasure  in  the  discussion 
comes    up   and   looks    over   the    terrified   Inn 
keeper's  shoulder  at  the  scroll.] 
I  will  help  you,  my  good  fellow. 

[Turning  to  the  crowd.] 

This,  my  lords  and  masters,  represents  the  cat  look 
ing  out  at  the  dairy  window. 

[The   crowd   laughs.      Toison   d'Or  indignantly 
seizes  the  scroll.] 

Toison  d'Or 

Nay,  it  is  "Sable,  a  musion  passant,  or,  oppressed 
with  a  trellis  gules,  cloue  of  the  second. 

Fool 

By  my  bauble,  if  the  cat  represents  Burgundy,  she 
is  on  the  right  side  of  the  grating  nowadays. 
[The  crowd  laughs  again.] 

King  Louis 

[Laughing  with  the  rest.] 

Well  said,  Fool.  I  owe  you  a  piece  of  gold  for 
turning  what  looked  like  sad  earnest  into  a  merry 
game. 

Burgundy 

Silence,  Fool !    And  you,  Toison  d'Or,  who  are  too 
learned  to  be  intelligent,  stand  back. 
[81] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


[To  Innkeeper.] 

Hark  you,  villain !  Speak  for  yourself — in  a  word, 
are  you  herald  or  not? 

Innkeeper 

[Bursting  into  tears] 
Only  for  this  occasion. 

Burgundy 

How  like  the  manners  of  the  master  are  those  of  the 
servant!  Yet  by  our  faith,  so  pleasing  has  been 
this  diversion,  that  surely  your  request  should  be 
granted.  Go !  Tell  your  master  that  we  will  see 
him  at  once. 
[The  Innkeeper  goes  out  in  great  confusion] 

King  Louis 
Methinks  your  action  has  been  rash,  fair  cousin. 

[To  Olivier] 
Olivier,    do    you    think    this    interview   will    prove 

dangerous  for  us? 

Olivier 

[In  the  King's  ear] 

We  can  only  trust  that  this  blundering  madman  will 
offset  his  words  by  his  slow  wit.  Our  cause  hangs 
on  this  chance. 

[De  la  Marck  strides  into  the  courtyard,  clad  in 
red  armor,  a  huge  sword  strapped  across  his 
back.     He  bows   neither  to  Burgundy   nor  to 
Louis,  but  strides  up  to  the  latter] 
[82] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


De  la  Marck 

So,  you  are  here,  Louis  the  Little !  Well  met,  star- 
gazer  !  A  fine  scheme  was  your  accursed  plot ! 

King  Louis 

Have  you  done?  You  forget  that  you  address  your 
King.  What  means  this  speech? 

De  la  Marck 

You  may  well  ask,  King  of  Foxes.  Never  again 
shall  Louis  trick  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes! 

King  Louis 

Your  words  are  as  insolent  as  they  are  unjust! 
William  de  la  Marck,  your  temper  is  too  short. 
At  another  time  we  would  reprove  you,  but  here 
ours  is  not  the  commanding  voice. 

Burgundy 

\Who  has  been  astounded  by  De  la  March's 
audacity,  and  is  recalled  to  himself  by  this 
speech.} 

True!    It  is  my  right  to  reply  to  this  insolent  fellow, 
and  I  accept  it  gladly. 
[To  De  la  Marck.] 

Address  yourself  to  me,  rash  fool,  but — by  the  cross 
of  St.  George — control  your  brawling  tongue  or 
it  will  fare  ill  with  you! 
[83] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


De  la  Marck 

Who  are  you,  in  the  fiend's  name,  that  dares  bid  me 
stay  my  speech?  By  God  and  St.  John,  what 
right  have  you  to  command  me — me,  William  of 
Ardennes  ? 

Burgundy 

What  right,  you  hound  of  Hell  ?  This  is  my  castle ! 
These  are  my  knights!  Would  you  cast  your 
insults  in  the  very  teeth  of  Charles  the  Bold?  If 
you  have  aught  to  say,  speak  as  becomes  your 
position,  and  get  you  gone! 

De  la  Marck 

I  have  but  little  to  say,  but  mark  that  little  well. 
I  demand  that  lady 
[Pointing  to  Isabelle] 
as  my  lawful  property! 
[Quentin  springs  in  front  of  Isabelle,  with   his 

hand  on  his  sword.] 
But  for  this  meddling  fool — 

[He  steps  toward  Quentin  and  draws  his  own 

huge  sword  half  from  the  scabbard.     Quentin 

imitates  his  action] 

she  would  have  been  mine  long  since.  Give  her 
to  me,  now,  or,  by  the  three  dead  kings  of 
Cologne,  you  will  rue  the  day  you  first  set  eyes 
upon  her.  I  demand  her  in  the  name  of  Ardennes, 
and  William  de  la  Marck. 
[84] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

As  well  demand  her  in  the  name  of  Hell  and  the 
Devil.  She  is  my  ward,  and  I  will  direct  her 
destiny. 

De  la  Marck 
What !    You  refuse  me  ? 

Burgundy 
Mort  Dieu!    I  do! 

De  la  Marck 

So !    Is  that  your  game  ?    Then  here  I  play  my  part. 

I    hold    your    kinswoman,    the    Lady    Hameline. 

Persist  in  your  refusal,  and  my  sword  shall  end 

her  life  to-day! 

[He  folds  his  arms  and  looks  triumphantly  at 
Burgundy.  Burgundy  is  stunned  for  the 
moment.  King  Louis,  who  has  watched  this 
scene  with  bated  breath,  chuckles.} 

Burgundy 
Even  you  would  not  dare  such  an  outrage ! 

De  la  Marck 

I  would  not  dare? 

[He  throws  back  his  head  and  laughs  brutally.} 
[85] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


King  Louis 

My  dear  Charles,  there  seem  to  be  two  rivals  for  the 
hand  of  the  Countess  Isabelle,  this  young  gallant, 
and  William  de  la  Marck.  Why  not  let  them 
settle  their  claims  by  combat? 

Burgundy 

Such  odds  would  not  be  fair.  What  chance  has  this 
lad  against  the  Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes,  whose 
mighty  frame  has  seen  a  thousand  fights? 

Quentin 

[Falling  to  his  knees.] 

On  my  knees  I  beg  you  give  me  but  a  chance  to 
avenge  the  insults  heaped  upon  the  Lady  Isabelle 
by  this  arrant  boaster. 

King  Louis 

What  says  the  other  rival  ?  Is  William  de  la  Marck 
willing  to  stake  his  fortune  in  such  a  conflict  ? 

De  la  Marck 

Now  by  all  the  demons  in  Hell,  I  will  teach  this 
rash  stripling  a  second  lesson.  He  will  not  need 
a  third. 

Burgundy 

I  still  protest.     The  combat  is  not  a  fair  one. 
[86] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


De  la  Marck 

Fair  or  not,  this  is  your  only  chance  to  save  the  Lady 
Hameline.  You  must  choose  at  once.  What  say 
you? 

Burgundy 
I  like  not  this  bargain,  but  since  it  must  be — I  do 


agree. 


De  la  Marck 


Good !  The  Lady  Hameline  will  be  returned.  And 
do  you  on  your  part  solemnly  swear  to  award  the 
hand  of  the  Lady  Isabelle  to  the  victor  in  this 
combat  ? 

Burgundy 

By  the  tears  of  our  Virgin  Mother,  I  do  solemnly 
swear. 

De  la  Marck 

Enough !     My  weapon  is  ready. 
[He  starts  to  draw  his  sword.] 

King  Louis 

The   weapons   must   be   evenly   matched.      Let   me 
supply  them.     I  have  an  excellent  pair  of  swords. 
[87] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


De  la  Marck 
What  matters  the  weapon  in  such  a  fight  ? 

Quentin 

[Bowing  to  Louis.] 
I  am  grateful,  sire. 

[As  they  clear  the  courtyard  for  the  combat,  De 
la  Marck  closes  his  visor.  Balafre  and  Lord 
Crawford  helmet  Quentin.  King  Louis  and 
Olivier  come  to  the  front  of  the  stage.  Under 
cover  of  the  confusion,  they  speak  in  asides.] 

King  Louis 

Bring  us  two  swords,  Olivier,  and  so  arrange  it  that 
one  of  them  will  break  at  the  first  good  blow. 
Give  this  one  to  Quentin  Durward.  Thus  our 
long-desired  plan  for  marrying  De  la  Marck  to 
the  Countess  Isabelle  is  certain  to  be  realized. 
Go,  and  be  quick ! 

Olivier 
[Bowing.] 
Sire! 

[He  goes  out.  King  Louis  turns  to  the  contest 
ants,  chuckling  to  himself.] 

Isabelle 

[Coming  to  Quentin  s  side.] 

Quentin,  you  will  not  thus  run  into  the  face  of 
certain  death? 

[88] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Quentin 

Certain  death  ?    Nay,  ft  is  my  chance  to  win  Heaven 
itself!     Indeed,  to  die  were  far  easier  than  to  see 
you  wedded  to  this  monster. 
[Isabelle  leaves  him  and  kneels  to  Burgundy.] 

Isabelle 

And  you,  my  kind  guardian,  will  you  permit  this 
combat    to    proceed — why,    'tis    little    short    of 
murder !    Sooner  will  I  marry  this — 
[She  shudders.] 
this  other. 

Burgundy 

[Shaking  his  head  sadly.] 
It  is  impossible.    Our  pledge  has  been  given. 

[Isabelle,  half  fainting,  is  supported  by  her  ladies- 
in-waiting.  Olivier  returns  with  the  two 
swords.  As  he  passes  King  Louis,  the  King 
raises  his  eyebrows  questioningly.  Olivier  nods 
and  presents  the  swords,  first  to  De  la  March, 
with  the  good  sword  nearest  him  and  the  other 
held  back.  De  la  March  takes  the  good 
sword.  ] 

King  Louis  and  Olivier 

[With  satisfaction.} 
Ah  ! 

[Olivier  gives  the  broken  sword  to  Quentin.} 
[89] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Burgundy 

Back  and  give  them  room ! 
[To  the  combatants.] 

En  garde! 

[They  fight.  After  a  few  blows  are  exchanged, 
Quentin  s  sword  snaps  off  near  the  hilt.  The 
crowd  draws  its  breath  as  one  man.  Quentin 
defends  himself  against  De  la  March's  furious 
onslaught  as  best  he  can.  Suddenly  De  la 
March  strikes  what  remains  of  Quentin  s 
weapon  to  the  ground.  The  crowd  shouts. 
With  a  wild  roar  of  triumph,  the  Boar  lifts  high 
his  weapon  with  both  hands  and  aims  a  terrific 
blow  at  Quentin.  Quentin  leaps  aside  and 
De  la  March  falls  to  one  knee  from  the  impetus 
of  his  stroke.  Quentin  seizes  the  sword  on 
De  la  March's  back  and  whips  it  from  its  scab 
bard.  The  Boar  rises  and  confronts  his  adver 
sary  in  amazement.  A  great  shout  goes  up. 
They  resume  the  combat.  Quentin  gradually 
beats  down  De  la  March's  defence,  and  ends 
the  fight  with  a  thrust.  De  la  March  falls  to 
one  knee  and  rolls  over  on  his  back,  belloiving 
with  his  last  breath.  Throughout  the  fight 
King  Louis  has  watched  the  failure  of  his 
scheme  with  amazement.  As  Quentin  stands 
breathless  over  his  defeated  foe,  Isabelle  rushes 
up  to  him.] 

[90] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 

Quentin,  are  you  hurt? 

[He  shakes  his  head.} 
You   have   fought   this   day   as   man   never   fought 

before. 

Quentin 
Ah,  dear  lady,  now  could  I  gladly  die. 

Burgundy 

You  have  won  her  in  as  fair  a  fight  as  I  have  ever 
witnessed.  What  say  you,  cousin  ? 

King  Louis 

Aye,  the  youth  has  proved  his  mettle.     He  has  justi 
fied  the  trust  we  placed  in  him.     He  has  won  a 
just  reward. 
[He  beams  upon  the  lovers.} 

Burgundy 

At  last  the  Lady  Isabelle  is  well  bestowed  and  the 
Wild  Boar  of  Ardennes  will  roar  no  longer. 
With  him  dies  the  cause  of  our  petty  quarrel. 

King  Louis 

Aye,  peace  reigns  again  in  France  and  Burgundy. 

\With  a  meaning  glance  toward  the  lovers.} 
In  sooth,  peace  is  everywhere  about  us. 
[91] 


QUENTIN    DURWARD 


Isabelle 
I  have  a  thousand  things  to  tell  you. 

Quentin 
I  have  but  one — I  love  you. 

Burgundy 

[Snatching  a  cup  from  an  attendant.] 
A  toast,  sir  King!     A  toast  to  the  new  Count  of 
Croye  and  his  bride! 
[The  nobles  raise  their  cups  with  a  shout.    Song] 

CURTAIN 


[92] 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
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